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I would be looking at a line array rig (of similar performance) for anything that much of an 850 rig would cover. Way easier and better sounding (for many of the listeners) all around. My 32 box RCF based rig would offer more options for coverage without the hassles and difficulty of flying and pointing. Maybe not the same SPL capability but more useable SPL.

Or, we develop a new line array rig one step up from the rig you saw last time you came by the shop. I have the engineering technology in house with 2 already proven commercial designs

Originally Posted by W. M. Hellinger

title sez it.

I'm considering a 48 box 850 rig for events I have that I'm thinking would likely be well served with such.

Comment

I would be looking at a line array rig (of similar performance) for anything that much of an 850 rig would cover. Way easier and better sounding (for many of the listeners) all around. My 32 box RCF based rig would offer more options for coverage without the hassles and difficulty of flying and pointing. Maybe not the same SPL capability but more useable SPL.

Or, we develop a new line array rig one step up from the rig you saw last time you came by the shop. I have the engineering technology in house with 2 already proven commercial designs

Originally Posted by W. M. Hellinger

title sez it.

I'm considering a 48 box 850 rig for events I have that I'm thinking would likely be well served with such.

Comment

I aggree, The 850 is a beast. You would be surised what a midsized line array will let you do. Unless it is a steal deal the trucking and labor, plus the fact its just not as popular any more would out weigh the need. You can pack a pretty powerful linearray system in a 24+ ft box truck and still have room for lots of other stuff

We have a few events through the summer where a good sized sledgehammer of a system is required (10K- 15K attendence). Our current sledgehammer is "adequate", and probably will continue to be adequate for here-on out... but if we're already (and have been for 10+ years) moving the tonnage... why not move really cool tonnage?

I'm not going to live forever... I've figured that out. Tonnage is tonnage... and we have minds and hands and can figure out ways & means to deal with tonnage... we can have fork lifts & backhoes at both ends if need be, and the van, 20ft. box truck, and 48ft. semi trailer/truck combination all make about the same milage... and we already have all of that, and those are already sunk costs.

Flying an equitable line array requires a load bearing roof... and we don't have that... probably won't either. Besides: ground stacking is fine for what we do... sight-lines are not a problem, nor is square footage. Weather can be an issue... I'm thinking an 850 rig is as weather resistant as most anything else. "Cutting edge" flavor of the month never comes into play. There's plenty of opportunity in the local area for a bigger sledgehammer if we had it.

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Line arrays properly deigned can be ground stacked as well with the right hardware. Deep arrays need a bottom structure but it's relatively trivial, especially considering moving and stacking 850's.

There is also a scaffold based flying system that I designed for a client that works great for flying line arrays from inside the tower. Slick as snot, very easy compared with groundstacking anything big.

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I still think in the long run a line array is a better choice. But if it comes as a turn key with subs and amps and its cheap enough to pay for its self in a year or 2 why not. You can always recycle the subs and amps into a line array later.

However I did a run of b grade nationals this year ( I should say brokered the deal for a larger company, I had already enough bookings with too many overlaps)in a 500 seat house. Everyone wanted M7's (or at least a ls-9) and a line array. Maybe we didn't push as hard as we should have to take the conventional box.

You know your market and if 850's are going to be accepted or not. Line arrays and digital consoles arent " the latest craze" they arent even the future they are here and now. Pm4Ks can be bought for under 5K and Food/flashlights can be bought for 1K or less per box.

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I'm considering a 48 box 850 rig for events I have that I'm thinking would likely be well served with such.

But... I dunno... looking for advice.

Excuse my sarcasim. I am partial to EAW.

I dont do shows anywhere near that size. I have four MH660E's over BV subs and they get loud if you need it. Very efficient. 140db peak. I suspect those 850's will give you exceptional sound if processed right. What you have is versatility with ground stack. Inside or outside.

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If you already have the means to transport and setup, the 850 rig is starting to sound like a sweeter deal. If I was able, I would LOVE to have an 850 rig to play with. So far, my favorite systems to mix on along with the X-Array. They're big, mean, and loud as ****************.